As we start a new year, let’s look at the essentials of health. Often when we are struggling with some physical problem, we focus on whatever the diagnosis is, instead of the basics of what it takes to be healthy. However, this approach is unique to the human species.

For every other biological organism on this planet, we take a different approach. For example: If a population of fish began to develop high rates of cancer or tumors, how would we approach the issue. Would we flood the rivers with chemotherapy and radiation to kill the tumors in the fish? Or would we examine the environment the fish live in for toxicities or nutritional deficiencies that would be contributing to the high rates of tumors in the fish?

According to the National Cancer Institute, over one point six million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2016, with even higher numbers expected in 2017. Not to mention the increasing rates of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and a host of others.

According to the Center for Disease Control, America now has more than half its adult population suffering from at least one chronic disease. Again, if half of a population of cows, horses or dogs were suffering from disease, how would we approach the situation. So, let’s start 2018 looking at some of the common-sense issues affecting our health.

What do living creatures, including us, need to survive on planet earth? In simple terms, we need: air, water, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and social and spiritual interaction. These form the foundation for health, they are essential in all animals and humans on planet earth.

Amazingly if we have the essentials of life, our bodies tend to perform very well. However, there are things that interfere with the normal operation of our bodies. Things like toxins, trauma and stress.

Add enough of any of these interfering elements, and disease will be the result. If we had a population of sick fish, wouldn’t we look for some type of toxin in the water, wouldn’t we look for some form of depletion of the natural nutritional or food supply, or would we blame the tumors on the genetics of the fish?

So, as you make your New Year’s resolutions this year, consider the basics of health. Are you getting what you need to be healthy? What factors are interfering with your body’s ability to regulate itself?

We are going to spend the next few weeks looking at the details of these factors, but maybe it’s not that complicated. Are you getting what you need to be healthy? Are there things interfering with your body’s ability to be healthy?

If you have the basics right, most of our health issues will be solved before they start.